Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential

The Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential program provides advanced preparation in reading/language arts assessment and instruction, clinical and field experience, as well as theory and research in teaching reading and language arts, grades K-12.

This 30 unit program (15 hours required beyond the Reading Certificate) is intended for experienced elementary and secondary teachers who wish to assume literacy leadership positions at the school or district level. The positions may include any or all of the following:

• Literacy diagnostician,
• Reading intervention specialist,
• Professional development provider,
• Reading program coordinator, and/or
• Evaluator of school and district literacy programs.

The reading specialist is also prepared to provide expert reading/language instruction at the classroom level.

Related programs in reading and language arts at CSULB include the Reading Certificate (15 units) and the Master of Arts in Elementary or Secondary Education: Specialization in Reading (a 36-39 unit program which includes the 30 units in the Reading/Language Arts Specialist program).

Prerequisites for the Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential Program:

• A valid elementary or secondary teaching credential; CLAD certification is strongly recommended
• ENGL 481 OR ENGL 482 OR EDRG 520 OR approved equivalent course in children's or adolescent literature (can be taken concurrently with program requirements)
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units
• Two letters of recommendation on school letterhead from educators familiar with your teaching (one must be from a supervisor or principal)
• Autobiography and personal statement of intent (3 pages maximum)
• Interview with program faculty
• Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience while holding a preliminary or clear credential. This verification must be received prior to completion of the first 12 units of the program.
• EDEL 452 (Teaching Reading, K-8) or equivalent is strongly recommended
• Successful completion of the Reading Certificate program (15 units) or equivalent.

Requirements for the Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential
(15 units beyond the Reading Certificate):

• EDRG 543 Technology in Reading/Language Arts (3 units)
• EDRG 544 Foundations of Literacy Research (3 units)
• EDRG 554 Reading/Language Arts: Supervision and Leadership (3 units)
• EDRG 556 Theoretical Models and Processes of Reading (3 units)
• EDRG 651 Advanced Diagnosis and Intervention in Reading/Language Arts (3 units)

For information and assistance, please contact program advisor:

Dr. Joan Leikam Theurer
California State University, Long Beach
Department of Teacher Education
ED2-181
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-2096
Email: jtheurer@csulb.edu

Last update: 11/13/07